Crew of ship that blocked Suez Canal could face charges
The 25-member Indian crew of the Ever Given, a massive container ship that remained stuck in the Suez Canal for nearly week, could face criminal charges.
Investigators boarded the 1,300-foot-long vessel and launched their investigation on Wednesday, shortly after its arrival in Egypt’s Great Bitter Lake. The probe is expected to cover the ship’s seaworthiness and as well as the crew’s actions and how they may have contributed to the dayslong incident.
The Indian government and seafarers’ groups have already expressed concern over what legal issues the crew may face and how Egyptian officials will treat them. Sources told the Times of India the group could be placed under house arrest until an investigation into what caused the ship to run aground is complete.
Capt. Sanjay Prashar, a member of the National Shipping Board, said the “facts can be checked by examining and listening to conversation in the ship voyage data recorder and one can come to an understanding as to what caused the mishap.”
Imprisoned Palestinian leader shakes up vote
A popular Palestinian uprising leader imprisoned by Israel on Wednesday submitted an independent list of candidates to run in upcoming parliamentary elections, dealing a tough blow to President Mahmoud Abbas.
The last-minute move by Marwan Barghouti could severely weaken the prospects of Mr. Abbas’ Fatah party and boost the prospects of the Islamic militant Hamas group.
Nasser al-Kidwa, a supporter of Barghouti and candidate on the list, confirmed the filing just before a midnight deadline. Mr. Al-Kidwa said their new party will be called “Freedom.”
Mr. Barghouti is a popular figure in the Fatah movement, and opinion polls have suggested the vote between the two factions will be split.
That could pave the way for a Hamas victory. It also increases the likelihood Mr. Abbas will find a way to cancel what is supposed to be the first Palestinian elections in 15 years, which is scheduled for May.
Mexico: Woman died in custody, was abused
A Salvadoran woman who died in police custody over the weekend in a Caribbean beach resort had also suffered abuse by her companion, who has been arrested, Mexican authorities said Tuesday.
Quintana Roo state Gov. Carlos Joaquin did not specify whether the abuse allegedly suffered by Victoria Esperanza Salazar was sexual or physical.
He said one of the woman’s two daughters also had been abused and the man was arrested as part of the state government’s effort to ensure justice for Salazar.
“Victoria filed a complaint weeks ago and took her daughter to a shelter to protect her,” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele wrote on Twitter. “Unfortunately, nothing was done until now, with Victoria murdered, it is not until now they are following up on the case.”